Paro Airport (VQPR) Remake and Nearby Landmarks v7.3
Description
The stock Paro Airport in FS2020 is nicely crafted, but the apron layout is not update, and the parkings are classified as RAMP_GA_MEDIUM, which means that certain types of ground handling vehicles needed for jetliners are missing. On the other hand, the stock Paro Airport in FS2024 did made significant updates, but the “new ” airport buildings looks pretty disappointed in my opinion, and the ground markings and taxiway layouts are also quite wrong. I feel no good after I’ve completed the “flying an Airbus like a bush pilot” landing.
With this addon, the runway, apron and taxiway layout of Paro Airport has been revised to be up-to-date. Taxiway names are assigned according to information from Bhutan AIP, and most of the parkings have been changed to RAMP_GA_LARGE so now you can call for Boarding Ramp and Large Pushback there. You can now taxi on the parallel taxiway (Taxiway T) safely with an A320. The runway IRL is sloped with gradient as much as 0.8%, while runway 15 is sloped downward and runway 33 is sloped upward, resulting in height difference as much as 16M bewteen the thresholds. The portrait of the Royal Family of Bhutan at the apron has also been replaced with the current one. For the FS2024 version, I bring the airport buildings in FS2020 back as they looks better.
The approaches have also replaced to become something similar with circle-to-land procedures, which are independent of the runway used on final. You are recommended to use the development version if you are flying with A32NX as it now supports automatic holdings and all the RNAV procedures include compulsory holding for some of the transitions.
From the AIP of Bhutan, these two points about Paro Airport are specified:
– Entry/Exit into circuit area is via Chhuzom (confluence of rivers Paro Thimphu)
– Avoid flying over dzongs, monastery or temples
In addition to modding the stock Paro Airport, certain helper POIs including the important pattern checkpoints and the religious buildings along Paro Valley are also added, which are helpful for those who want to try a full flight to/from Paro Airport, rather than just playing with the Paro Landing Challenge (but passing the challenge with a score of ‘B’ is essential before a full flight). In fact most of these buildings are located on hillsides so it is not likely to fly over them directly. The largest one among them is the Rinpung Dzong (also called Paro Dzong), which is already handcrafted in stock scenery and you should see it clearly. In additional, I’ve also placed a POI on Mr. Smith’s House, which is the “visual target” for approaching runway 15.
For longer flights into Paro, it is often to have a stop at Guwahati or Bagdogra Airport to confirm the weather at Paro before heading for it.
